Tax Take
J P Whitter - HMRC not obliged to consider impact of cancellation of Gross Payment Status on business
In J P Whitter (Water Well Engineers) Ltd v HMRC [2018] UKSC 31, the Supreme Court has confirmed the view of the Court of Appeal that HMRC has the power to remove 'Gross Payment Status' from sub-contractors under the Construction Industry Scheme, without an obligation to take into account the impact on the tax-paying business.
Read moreGroves – Tribunal confirms that a notice to file must be given by an identified HMRC officer
In Groves v HMRC [2018] UKFTT 0311 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has allowed the taxpayer's appeal against penalties issued by HMRC pursuant to Schedule 55, Finance Act 2009, for the late filing of a tax return as the notice to file was not signed by an "Officer of the Board" and in any event, the notice was invalid as it was not given by HMRC for the purpose(s) set out in section 8, Taxes Management Act 1970 (TMA) and therefore any penalties issued for late filing of the return were invalid.
Read moreWealth and trusts quarterly digest
Welcome to our latest Wealth & Trusts digest. Our quarterly digest is specifically tailored for you and aims to provide up to date commentary, analysis and guidance on key sector developments. It is written by our wealth and trusts teams to assist you and your clients in responding to market trends and legal developments. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss any issues you may have and always welcome feedback on the content of our publications.
Read moreBradshaw – Tribunal confirms ignorance of the law is a reasonable excuse and cancels penalties
In A and R Bradshaw v HMRC [2018] UKFTT 0368 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has held that a taxpayer's ignorance of the law is a reasonable excuse in relation to the late filing of a non-resident CGT return (NRCGT return).
Read moreShaw: Tribunal cancels penalties … again!
In Shaw v HMRC [2018] UKFTT 0381 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has cancelled late filing penalties because HMRC had not satisfied the statutory requirements of section 8(1), Taxes Management Act 1970 (TMA) as a notice to file had not been validly served on the appellant.
Read moreTax update August 2018
In this month’s update we report on the summary of responses to HMRC’s consultation on extending time limits for offshore non-compliance, HMRC’s policy paper on “profit-fragmentation” and HMRC’s consultation on proposals for new civil information gathering powers for HMRC.
Read moreTager – Court of Appeal allows taxpayers' appeals and reduces penalties for failure to comply with information notices
In Tager & Ors v HMRC [2018] EWCA Civ 1727, in allowing the taxpayers' appeals, the Court of Appeal has provided some general observations on the scope and purpose of HMRC's power to impose tax-related penalties under paragraph 50, Schedule 36, Finance Act 2008 for failures to comply with information notices issued under paragraph 1, Schedule 36, Finance Act 2008.
Read moreVAT update July 2018
In this month’s update we report on the alignment of the period for recovery of VAT by exempt public sector entities; new guidance concerning VAT liability on goods supplied on approval; and HMRC’s policy paper on a new regime for interest and penalties.
Read moreAllpay - Tribunal refuses HMRC permission to amend its Statement of Case and awards costs to the taxpayer
In Allpay Ltd v HMRC [2018] UKFTT 0273 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has dismissed HMRC's application to amend its Statement of Case to plead a new legal issue.
Read moreNon-residents and UK property
Non-UK residents owning UK real estate, whether directly or via companies, partnerships, trust arrangements or collective investment vehicles, should be aware of important UK tax changes due to take effect from April 2019.
Read moreAmes: No EIS relief without income tax claim but Tribunal grants judicial review of HMRC's decision
In Ames v HMRC [2018] UKUT 190, the Upper Tribunal (UT) has held that capital gains tax (CGT) relief under the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) is not available on the disposal of shares where no income tax relief was claimed on their acquisition. However, in refusing to allow a late claim for EIS income tax relief, HMRC had misapplied the relevant guidance, fettered its discretion, and failed to consider material facts and the UT therefore granted judicial review of HMRC's decision.
Read moreBell - The importance of selecting the correct forum when alleging unfairness on the part of HMRC
In J Bell v HMRC [2018] UKFTT 261 (TC), the taxpayer's appeal was struck out by the First-tier Tribunal (FTT), because it does not have jurisdiction to consider issues of public law.
Read moreTax update July 2018
In this month’s update we report on new EU transparency rules for tax intermediaries, HMRC’s revised Disguised Remuneration Settlement Terms and the Law Society’s Response to HMRC’s consultation on Tax Avoidance involving profit fragmentation.
Read moreProject Blue - Supreme Court allows HMRC's appeal in SDLT sub-sale case
In Project Blue Limited v HMRC [2018] UKSC 30, the Supreme Court (by a majority) has found that section 75A, Finance Act 2003 (an anti-avoidance provision), was applicable resulting in SDLT being payable notwithstanding that sections 45 (sub-sale relief) and 71A (exemption for alternative property finance) Finance Act 2003, would have otherwise resulted in no stamp duty land tax (SDLT) being payable.
Read moreVAT update June 2018
In this month’s update we report on HMRC’s consultation on draft legislation imposing VAT reverse charge on the construction industry; the European Commission’s proposal concerning the taxation of intra-EU supplies; and HMRC’s recently published guidance on the VAT treatment of goods supplied on approval.
Read moreBayonet Ventures: Loan by pension scheme was not an unauthorised payment
In Bayonet Ventures LLP & Anor v HMRC [2018] UKFTT 262 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT), has held that a loan made to a limited liability partnership (LLP) by a pension scheme in which one of the partners of the LLP was a member, was not an unauthorised payment (section 164, Finance Act 2004) and should not be treated as a loan to the partner (section 863, Income Tax (Trading and Other Income) Act 2005 (ITTOIA)) as section 863 only applies if the LLP is carrying on a 'trade, profession or business with a view to profit', which it was not.
Read moreAnderson - Upper Tribunal considers knowledge test for the purpose of discovery assessments
In Jerome Anderson v HMRC [2018] UKUT 159 (TC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) has dismissed a football agent's appeal upholding the First-tier Tribunal's (FTT) decision to disallow relief for losses incurred in relation to a football academy ran by the agent. The UT also agreed with the FTT that HMRC had issued a valid discovery assessment.
Read moreBrexit – trade and customs arrangements
In this Brexit Bulletin, we discuss trade and customs arrangements; what has been achieved in the last 6 months and the next steps moving forward.
Read moreDundas: out of time capital allowance claims become valid due to HMRC opening enquiries
In Dundas Heritable Limited v HMRC [2018] UKFTT 0244 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has held that a taxpayer was entitled to make, what would otherwise have been out of time capital allowance claims, as a result of HMRC opening enquiries.
Read moreTax update
In this month’s update we report on Guidance from HMRC on identifying who is an “enabler” of tax avoidance; a consultation on “off-payroll” working by contractors; and HMRC’s update to its International Exchange of Information Manual to reflect amendments to the list of reportable jurisdictions for Common Reporting Standards.
Read moreInvestec: payments to acquire partnership interests were trading in nature
In HMRC v Investec Asset Finance Plc and Another [2018] UKUT 0069 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) has held that payments made to acquire partnership interests are deductible in calculating the profits of the partners’ solo trades of dealing in those partnership interests.
Read moreVAT update
In this month’s update we report on HMRC’s cooperation agreement, intended to tackle online VAT fraud; HMRC’s recently published Guidance on online marketplace seller checks; and the government’s pilot for Making Tax Digital for VAT.
Read morePatel: Enquiry and closure notices held to be invalid
In Patel & Anor v HMRC [2018] UKFTT 0185 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal ('FTT'), in finding in favour of the taxpayers at a preliminary hearing, has held that HMRC had not opened valid enquiries into the taxpayers' self-assessment returns, as the returns had not been made pursuant to a notice issued by HMRC under section 8(1) Taxes Management Act 1970 ('TMA').
Read moreCustoms and excise quarterly update
In this update we report on the government’s consultation on Gaming Duty Accounting Periods; the Licensing of Tobacco Manufacturing Machinery; and the European Commission’s consultation on amendments to guarantees. We also comment on three recent cases involving customs classification; excise duty drawback; and excise duty liability on persons with no actual or constructive knowledge of unpaid duty.
Read moreWealth and trusts quarterly digest
Welcome to our latest Wealth and Trusts digest. Our quarterly digest is specifically tailored for you and aims to provide up to date commentary, analysis and guidance on key sector developments. It is written by our wealth and trusts teams to assist you and your clients in responding to market trends and legal developments. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss any issues you may have and always welcome feedback on the content of our publications.
Read moreTooth – discovery assessment invalid as no inaccuracy in return
In HMRC v Tooth [2018] UKUT 38, the Upper Tribunal (UT) has concluded that a discovery assessment issued by HMRC was invalid as the taxpayer's self-assessment did not contain an inaccuracy and in any event there was no deliberate intent by the taxpayer to bring about an insufficiency of tax.
Read moreMDCM Ltd - Tribunal confirms that IR35 does not apply in employment status case
In MDCM Ltd v HMRC [2018] TC 6400, the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has allowed the taxpayer's appeal, concluding that its contractual arrangements were such that its principal employee was not an employee of the ultimate contracting company, for the purposes of IR35.
Read moreSippchoice Ltd: Taxpayer can claim income tax deduction for contribution in specie to SIPP
In Sippchoice Ltd v HMRC [2018] UKFTT, the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has held that a taxpayer can obtain tax relief at source in respect of contributions made to s Self-Invested Pension Plan (SIPP) settled in the form of unquoted shares.
Read moreTax update May 2018
In this month’s update we report on HMRC’s recently published guidance relating DOTAS for inheritance tax, its guidance for the GAAR and a new consultation relating to tax avoidance involving Profit Fragmentation.
Read moreCorporate tax update
Welcome to the latest edition of our Corporate Tax Update, written by members of RPC’s tax team and published quarterly.
Read moreOnillon – Failure to take Follower Notice 'corrective action' reasonable in all the circumstances
In Onillon v HMRC [2018] UKFTT 33 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) allowed the taxpayer's appeal against a penalty imposed for failing to take corrective action following the issue of a Follower Notice (FN) as it was reasonable in all the circumstances for the taxpayer not to take such action.
Read moreVAT update April 2018
In this month’s update we report on the publication of the draft agreement on the UK’s withdrawal from the EU; the Government’s “split payment” collection model for online sales by non-UK sellers; and HMRC’s revised guidance on the cost sharing exemption.
Read moreHargreaves: Loyalty pays
In Hargreaves Lansdown Asset Management LTD v HMRC [2018] UKFTT 127 (TC) TC06383, the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has found that loyalty bonus payments paid to investors were not "annual payments" for the purpose of section 683, ITTOIA.
Read moreVolkswagen: CJEU provides guidance on the time limit for input VAT recovery
In Volkswagen AG v Finančné riaditeľstvo Slovenskej republiky C-533/16, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has held that Member States cannot impose a time limit on input tax recovery that denies claims before the taxable person is in a position to exercise its right to recover.
Read moreJackson : HMRC penalised in penalties case
In Jackson v HMRC [2018] UKFTT 0064 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has held that HMRC had misapplied the law in respect of penalties it had issued to the taxpayer for filing late returns.
Read moreTax update April 2018
In this month’s update we report on HMRC’s new Code of Practice 8 guidance, the OECD’s consultation on misuse of residence and citizenship schemes to circumvent the common reporting standard.
Read moreHicks: Discover the limits
In J Hicks v HMRC [2018] UKFTT 22, the First-tier Tribunal (FTT), in allowing the taxpayer's appeal, has held that discovery assessments issued by HMRC were invalid as the condition contained in section 29(5), TMA 1970, was not satisfied.
Read moreVAT update March 2018
In this month’s update we report on HMRC’s informal VAT grouping consultation; HMRC’s update on its project to digitise the VAT Retail Export Scheme and HMRC’s new guidance for Fast Parcel Operators.
Read moreTaylor Wimpey – Upper Tribunal clarifies the application of the 'builder's block' scheme
In Taylor Wimpey Plc v HMRC [2018] UKUT 55, the Upper Tribunal (UT) has allowed in part the taxpayer's appeal in relation to its claim to recover input VAT incurred on the provision of certain white goods, kitchen appliances and carpets installed in newly built houses.
Read moreTowers Watson – Tribunal confirms HMRC cannot raise new matters not covered in a closure notice
In Towers Watson Limited v HMRC [2017] TC06241, the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has held that HMRC cannot raise new matters which were not covered in the closure notice which it had issued to the appellant company.
Read moreGoldsmith - late filing penalties cancelled by the Tribunal
In David Goldsmith v HMRC [2018] UKFTT 0005 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has cancelled late filing penalties issued to the taxpayer as the statutory requirements in section 8(1), Taxes Management Act 1970 (TMA), had not been satisfied and HMRC did not have the power to require the taxpayer to deliver self-assessment returns.
Read moreRowe and Vital Nut – Court of Appeal delivers its judgments in APN judicial review challenge
In Rowe and Vital Nut, the Court of Appeal has dismissed the claimant taxpayers' appeals in judicial review proceedings challenging the legality of Accelerated Payment Notices (APNs) and Partner Payment Notices (PPNs).
Read moreTax update March 2018
In this month’s update we report on HMRC’s recently published guidance on the Serial Tax Avoidance Regime, venture capital schemes and non-domicile reforms.
Read moreWealth and trusts quarterly digest
Welcome to our latest wealth and trusts digest. Our quarterly digest provides up to date commentary and analysis on key sector developments. It is written by our wealth and trusts teams to assist you and your clients in responding to market trends and legal developments. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss any issues you may have and always welcome feedback on the content of our publications.
Read moreVAT update - February 2018
In this month’s update we report on the EU Commission’s proposals to reduce VAT compliance costs for small businesses, guidance published by HMRC following the Supreme Court’s decision in InvestmentTrust Companies and the latest consultation to implement “making tax digital” for VAT.
Read moreStadion - CJEU confirms circumstances where different elements of a supply can be taxed at different rates
In Stadion Amsterdam CV v Staatssecretaris van Financiën C-463/16, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has confirmed that, in the absence of specific statutory language to the contrary, a single supply, which includes two individually priced elements, is taxable at the rate of the principle supply.
Read moreBilta: litigation privilege attaches to documents created during internal investigation into VAT claim
In Bilta (UK) Ltd (in liquidation) and ors v Royal Bank of Scotland Plc and another [2017] EWHC 2525 (Ch), the High Court has held that documents prepared by the Royal Bank of Scotland Plc (RBS) in the course of an investigation into allegations made by HMRC were protected by litigation privilege.
Read moreCorporate tax update
Welcome to the latest edition of our Corporate Tax Update, written by members of RPC’s tax team and published quarterly. In this final 2017 edition we highlight some of the key tax developments of interest to UK corporates from the fourth quarter of 2017.
Read moreCustoms and excise quarterly update, February 2018
Welcome to the February edition of our customs and excise quarterly update.
Read moreCannon: Tax barrister not careless in relying on advice received from his accountant
In Cannon v HMRC [2017] UKFTT 859 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal has held that a tax barrister was not careless in relying on tax advice received from an accountant retained to give professional advice on specified issues.
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